Hey Future Houstonians!

This is Hello From Houston, the newsletter that’s here to help you find the Houston suburbs that are worth the hype; without the sales pitch! 🏡✨

 In this issue:

• 🏡 Ranking the most trusted home builders of 2024

• 🔎 The fastest-growing suburb you’ll either love… or hate 🤷‍♀️

• 💡 Does Katy really have the BEST schools?

Plus SO MUCH more…..let’s see what is buzzing this week.

Danielle Kim, Publisher Hello From Houston

Suburb Snapshot 💭

Fulshear: A Growing Suburb You’ll Either Love or… Not

If you’re moving to Houston, Fulshear is probably on your radar. It’s one of the fastest-growing suburbs, and for good reason: top-rated schools, resort-style master-planned communities (MPCs), and a family-friendly vibe. The day-to-day here is classic suburbia—big box stores, parks, and churches. On weekends, you’re likely hitting up the playground or Target instead of exploring trendy pop-ups or unique events.

There’s a new city center in the works that promises more upscale shopping and dining options, which will definitely help diversify business in the area. But for now, if you’re craving culture, nightlife, or a variety of restaurants, you’ll be driving into Houston. For families working in the Energy Corridor though, Fulshear is a popular choice with a manageable commute.

Here’s where Fulshear gets mixed reviews. Inside the MPCs? Amazing. Communities like Austin Point, Indigo, and Brookewater come with lazy rivers, trails, and even working farms. Step outside those neighborhoods and it can feel flat and a little unfinished. One client told me, “I just can’t vibe with it—it feels empty to me,” and I totally get that.

Traffic is another reality check. The roads are playing catch-up with the growth. Construction is everywhere, which will be great in the long run but is definitely a headache right now.

That said, families love Fulshear for its space, schools, and sense of community. If you’re looking for brand-new construction with room to grow, it’s worth exploring. If you more info than this bite-sized email can provide, I’ve created a detailed YouTube video about Fulshear that breaks it all down. Check it out here for everything you need to know.

Market News and Updates 🗞️

Houston Real Estate Jargon to Know

If you’re moving to Houston, you’ll quickly realize our suburbs have their own language (especially when it comes to real estate.) A big part of that is master-planned communities (MPCs), and they’re a key reason Houston dominates the housing market. According to the latest RCLCO report, Houston is home to 12 of the Top 50 MPCs in the U.S., with sales staying strong despite rising mortgage rates.

So, what’s an MPC? It’s more than a neighborhood. Think of it as a fully designed ecosystem, with schools, parks, pools, and even shops and restaurants planned into the community. Popular Houston-area MPCs like Bridgeland and Sienna Plantation are thriving because they combine convenience, lifestyle, and long-term value.

Here’s why this matters: MPCs don’t just hold their value—they’re real, unique, and incredibly attractive reasons to move here. Their thoughtful design and built-in amenities make Houston’s suburbs stand out. Whether it’s for a strong sense of community, access to nature, or a shorter commute… Bottom line: MPCs make life easier.

Living Like a Local: Lesson #1

Houston’s Grocery Store MVP – H-E-B

Welcome to the local experience! If you’re visiting Houston or even thinking about making it your new home, check out H-E-B. It’s the local grocery store… but it’s not just A grocery store. It’s THE grocery store. Try recommending another grocery store to a local and they will look at you like you insulted their mom’s cooking.

When I first moved here, I called it “Heb” (like it should sound). Don’t let a Houstonian hear you say that—it’s H-E-B, spelled out, and I learned that lesson through ridicule. At first, I didn’t understand the obsession. I mean, it’s just a grocery store, right? But now? After years of fresh tortillas straight from their bakery, Texas-shaped chips, and yellow coupons that feel like tiny victories? I get it. H-E-B is more than a store—it’s a vibe, a lifestyle, and a rite of passage into Texan culture.

If you’re visiting Houston and make it to H-E-B, send me a pic of the most Texas thing you find. Bonus points if it’s actually shaped like Texas (yes, that’s a thing). Tag me or DM me—I can’t wait to see what you discover!

Living like a local starts here. Just don’t call it Heb. 😉

School District Q & A ✏️

This Week’s Question:
Does Katy Have “The Best Schools”?

The Answer:

You’ve heard it, I’ve heard it—Katy ISD is always called “the best.” Maybe your realtor mentioned it, or it came up in a Facebook group while researching your move. It’s the kind of reputation that sticks. But is it because the schools are actually elite, or because they’ve got a slick marketing strategy that makes you think they’re #1? Let’s dig in.

A school consultant once spilled the tea: “Katy pays for #1 advertising.” That branding muscle is impressive, and it’s hard to argue with the results. No shade to their academics—Katy ISD is good. But their polished reputation? It’s part real success and part branding genius. Katy consistently tops rankings, often due to self-reported data like test scores and teacher-student ratios. But those metrics don’t tell the whole story. The district also faces real challenges, including funding gaps (a $7.8M deficit this year) and teacher burnout (raises aren’t happening despite rising costs).

Here’s the bigger picture:

Houston has over 60 school districts, many offering just as much academic excellence and opportunity. Districts like Fort Bend, Cy-Fair, and The Woodlands aren’t just top performers—they foster thriving communities that families love. Fort Bend shines with its STEM programs, Cy-Fair excels in fine arts and extracurriculars, and The Woodlands combines stellar academics with a lifestyle surrounded by parks and trails.

Katy ISD is a strong choice, but it’s far from the only choice. Tour schools, talk to parents, and ask the tough questions. What matters most to your family—academic programs, community vibe, or extracurricular opportunities? The right fit might not be the most advertised—it’s the one where you feel at home, building the life you’ve been dreaming of for your kids

The Unexpected Buzz About Houston 👀

Guess What? Houston Made Headlines

I love Houston for its great economy, affordable housing, good schools, and vibrant communities. But even as someone who lives here, this headline caught me off guard. Houston was ranked as a top trending destination for 2025 by Booking.com and it’s not just any ranking—it’s the only U.S. city on the list!

According to Booking.com, Houston offers a “distinctive mix of Southern hospitality and cultural vibrancy.” They highlighted some of the things we locals know and love: the artsy vibes of Montrose, the historic East End, our world-class food scene, and, of course, NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

It’s wild to think of Houston being mentioned alongside places like Trieste, Italy and Tromsø, Norway. I mean, we all know Houston is great, but seeing it celebrated on a global scale? That’s something special.

What do you think? Would you consider Houston a “destination city”? Or is this a case of outsiders seeing something in us we sometimes overlook? Hit reply and let me know—I’m genuinely curious!

Sponsored by….Your Local Houston Guide 🌟

Relocating can feel overwhelming, but I’m here to simplify the process and help you settle into a community that truly feels like home. Together, we’ll explore neighborhoods that match your lifestyle, navigate the nuances of relocating, and find the perfect place to start your next chapter.

Let’s make your next move seamless and exciting. Even if we don’t work together, I’d still love to cheer you on—send me a pic of the new place! 📸

📩 Reply to this email to get started!

 Builder Buzz 🐝 

Where to Live (New Construction Edition)

If you’re building in Houston, the question is always: Where should I do it? Let’s skip the fluff and get straight to what you need to know, based on what matters most to you.

If You Want Luxury: Bridgeland

Bridgeland isn’t just the best-selling community in the nation for no reason. It literally feels like you’re living in nature, not in the middle of a busy suburb. It’s hands-down the prettiest suburb in Houston (in my humble opinion), with top-rated schools, growing commercial hubs, and huge potential for appreciation. The best part? There’s still room to snag a new home here.

If You Want the Newest and Greatest: Austin Point

Starting this year, Austin Point is set to become another major master-planned community in Fulshear. The area is one of the fastest-growing in Houston, and this community is packed with incredible ideas—think trails, parks, and a café for live music and yoga. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a fresh start in a place that’s just getting started.

If You Want Affordability: Hockley

Next door to Cypress, Hockley is growing fast with three major MPCs, including Jubilee and Grand Prairie. There’s not much commercial yet, but that’s part of why it’s still affordable. Plus, Waller ISD has invested over $1.376 billion into new schools, land, and facilities since 2019. That kind of commitment to education makes this area one to watch. If you like the idea of getting in while it’s still affordable, this is your spot.

What No One Tells You About Building a Home

A client of mine recently moved from Houston to Elyson, and she asked me to share her experience. She thought it might help others to hear what no one tells you: Building or buying a new construction home can be incredibly stressful—and that’s normal.

We found an inventory home and negotiated an incredible deal—we’re talking $50K in savings. On paper, everything lined up perfectly, but the process turned out to be far more emotionally draining than she expected.

This wasn’t her first home, but it was her first time financing one. “I had no idea how personal it gets,” she told me. Between endless questions, tighter lending standards, and constant document requests, it felt overwhelming.

And then came the builder’s process—sales agents with quirks, delays, and decisions that seemed bigger with every step. At one point, she said, “I felt like I was riding a rollercoaster blindfolded.”

But here’s the good news: A month later, she absolutely loves her home. The stress? It’s now just a distant memory. She wanted me to remind you that it’s all temporary, friends.

Her advice for anyone building a home? Be ready for the unexpected and don’t be afraid to ask questions—even if they feel small. Understanding the process helps take some of the pressure off, and knowing the stress is temporary can make the ride feel a little smoother.

Builder Bulletin 🗞️

Ready for the rundown on this month’s hottest builder deals? Here’s what caught my eye—and could save you big:

🛠 Perry Homes: $25K to use your way on select inventory homes. (Pick your perk: rate buydown, upgrades, or closing costs!)

🏠 Highland Homes: Take $10K off your rate or closing costs when you grab one of their inventory homes.

✨ Drees Homes: Fixed rates as low as 4.49% (6.572% APR) on select homes when you finance with their in-house lender. Plus, a 2-1 buydown option!

🔌 Ravanna Homes: A free whole-home generator and $10K in design credits or closing costs. (Your future self during a power outage will thank you.)

🍽️ Lennar Homes: FHA fixed rate at 3.99% (4.943% APR), $40K off the price, and an appliance package on move-in-ready homes. Talk about a triple threat.

💸 David Weekley: 4.99% fixed rate for year one, 5.99% after that—plus move-in-ready options now available.

🌳 Brookfield Residential: Get $20K-$30K off select inventory homes. (More cash for your backyard oasis!)

💡 Brightland Homes: $35K for design and structural upgrades, plus $10K toward closing costs.

📦 Tri-Point Homes: $30K in flex credit to make your home truly yours.

_{Disclaimer: Incentives are offered by the builders directly and may vary by each community within Houston. They typically apply to inventory homes and require using the builder’s lender and title company. Details are subject to change -confirm directly with the builder*}

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